HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-10-22 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Calling the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m., Council President Joan Hernandez led the flag salute.
OFFICIALS:
Steven M. Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, Assistant City Administrator; Steve Karimi, Assistant City Attorney; Bob Baker
Deputy City Clerk; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Keith Haines, Police Chief; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director;
Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; Beth Button, Domestic Violence Court Advocate; Stacy Hansen, Human
Services Assistant; Marja Murray and Rosa Krows, Police Administration; Don Dart, Police Officer; D. J. Baskin, Police
Lieutenant.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
October 22, 2001 7:00 P.M.
Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers
COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING
a. Community Oriented Policing Board Activities Update
Keith Haines, Tukwila Police Chief, introduced Greg Katz, two -time Chair of the Community Oriented Policing Citizens
Advisory Board, hereinafter referred to as "the Board."
Mr. Katz reported the Board continues its partnering efforts with citizens, schools, businesses, and governmental agencies
in the Tukwila area. Goals were set and met for 2001, which have been very rewarding for the Board. Next, Mr. Katz
introduced other Board members (present) Jan Tolen, Art Rosengren, and Michael Kline.
Board recommendations to the Council and City Administration include expanding facility needs; i.e., locker room and
sergeant's office. Additionally, Mr. Katz asked all to nurture and promote the COPCAB philosophy.
At the conclusion of Mr. Katz' report, he presented two awards on behalf of the Board. The 2001 COPCAB Citizen of the
Year Award was presented to Ms. Evelyn Boykan, for her fine leadership in the areas of human services and especially for
her work as Co -Chair on the Domestic Violence Task Force. The 2001 COPCAB Police Officer of the year was presented
to Officer Don Dart for his work with the Police Explorers and traffic volunteer oversight.
b. Domestic Violence Task Force Update
Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager, announced October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. To that
end, she felt it important for Council to "see" how a "simple" domestic violence case is processed through the legal
system.
City Councilmembers listened as a fictitious, yet entirely common, scenario of circumstances was laid out as it relates to a
"simple" domestic violence case. To inform the Council who is involved, and how they are involved, many staff
members were present to present their "work" in each case.
Tina, YWCA Community Domestic Violence Advocate, receives referrals; provides support, counseling services, safety
planning, emotional support, problem solving skills, clarification on issues, and resource referral to victims of domestic
violence. Tina laid out the first part of the scenario mentioned above from the "incident" of domestic violence until
police arrive on scene.
Police Chief Haines noted cases of domestic violence require the response of two police officers. Officers' work, while
on scene, include stop any assaults in progress, check for injuries, call aid car for assistance, investigate the situation,
collect and evaluate evidence, arrest and remove perpetrator (if deemed necessary), and inform the victim of advocacy
resources. From there, Beth Button, Domestic Violence Victims' Advocate is advised of the situation.
Beth Button, Domestic Violence Victims' Advocate, receives a voice mail and /or a copy of an incident report, advising
her of the potential court case. Beth then contacts the alleged victim, conducts a "welfare" check, explains the municipal
court process, explains the charges against the alleged violator, and advises alleged victim of the potential need for a no-
contact order. Ms. Button attempts to eliminate confusion in the alleged victim and provides input to the prosecutor and
ultimately the Court regarding recommendations.
Steve Karimi, City of Tukwila Prosecuting Attorney, receives the police report and prepares the case for municipal court
processes. Generally speaking, a bail hearing is set within 24 hours of alleged perpetrator being arrested. From there, the
City of Tukwila Page 2 of 3
City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes October 1- 2001
case is developed and readied for entry of plea; trial strategies; pre -trial hearings; and plea negotiations (if the defendant
admits accountability). Ultimately, when the case has been adjudicated, probationary and /or review hearings are set.
Mindy Breiner, Probation Officer, Tukwila Municipal Court, receives the case from the court and meets with the
defendant. She monitors their sentencing compliance (or lack thereof) and reports to the Court when violations arise,
resulting in probation violation hearings. Additionally, Mindy is able to gather information from defendants and their
significant others, to assist the prosecutor and judge with pre- sentence investigative reporting.
Police Chief Haines reported the above example does not represent the more complex cases, which are filed. One
police detective, Thom Roth, is currently assigned to cases of domestic violence investigation and process.
Noting the success of the Domestic Violence Task Force in raising awareness and decreasing case loads, Chief Haines
reported a 14 decrease in 2000, in cases of Domestic Violence.
Questions were fielded by all participants of the presentation as it related to no contact orders; case process timelines;
bail amounts; male vs. female victims; hetero- and homo sexual relationships; and court processes.
c. Proclamation Designating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Mayor Steven M. Mullet read the original proclamation naming October as National Domestic Violence Awareness
Month in the City of Tukwila, and encouraged everyone in the community to take an active role in supporting victims so
they can lead healthy lives, safe from violent and abusive behavior.
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Anna Bernhard, Tukwila, stated comments made one week ago concerning the Resolution Opposing Initiative 747 were
not meant to infer Council was breaking the law by taking such action. Rather, she meant to say she was uncomfortable
with Council considering the resolution. Council stated they understood and no inference of illegal action was taken.
REPORTS:
a. Mayor
Mayor Mullet reported attendance to the Philanthropy Northwest Conference, at Skamania Lodge, on October 17 -19.
Additionally, he noted the Tukwila Children's Foundation has been granted the 501(c)(3), non profit status.
b. City Council
Councilmember Duffie attended the October 18 Domestic Violence Task Force meeting; the October 18 Duwamish
Improvement Club; and the October 20 ACC Dinner. Mr. Duffie noted the need to place an article in The Hazelnut as it
relates to the Tukwila Municipal Code's content on leash laws. Council concurred.
Councilmember Carter noted cancellation of the October 20 SCATBd meeting. Additionally, she noted no quorum was
present to conduct the October 18 Regional Transit Committee meeting. On October 19, Ms. Carter attended the ACC
dinner; and she attended tonight's Transportation Committee meeting. Finally, Ms. Carter announced a Tukwila
Children's Foundation kick -off meeting October 30, Tukwila Elementary School, 5:30 p.m. Membership is $25.00 and
allows a vote for the Board of Directors.
Council President Hernandez attended the October 17 Apartment Managers Network meeting; the October 19 Economic
Development breakfast and the ACC dinner on the same day.
Councilmember Haggerton attended the October 17 Suburban Cities Board of Directors meeting.
Councilmember Linder will attend the October 23 King County International Airport Part 150 Study meeting.
Councilmember Fenton attended the October 17 Apartment Managers Network meeting and the Growth Management
Planning Council meeting at Puget Sound Regional Council Office in Seattle. Noting a potential lack in leadership, Mr.
Fenton noted concern over the recent Apartment Managers Network. Ms. Hernandez concurred.
Councilmember Simpson attended the October 19 Economic Development Breakfast and ACC dinner. Additionally, he
and other volunteers of the Highway 99 Action Committee gathered 280 pounds of debris from the highway on October
20.
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes
c. City Administrator
Rhonda Berry, Assistant City Administrator, received earlier comments and constructive comments on the October 17
Apartment Managers Network meeting and will be speaking with Chief Haines regarding same. Additionally, she noted
City Administration has authorized the purchase of a Biohazard Detection devise, in the amount of $6,200.00, as an
early, effective means of making an initial diagnosis of anthrax. This purchase will be presented to the Finance Safety
Committee in the coming weeks.
d. City Attorney
Steve Karimi, Assistant City Attorney, informed Council of a collaborative effort with the City of Maple Valley, to fight
issues against Puget Sound Energy (PSE). PSE is being sued as they are trying to impose additional costs associated with
franchise agreements, neither previously discussed, nor negotiated. He reported a court hearing date of October 31.
e. Legislative Analyst
Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst, reminded Council to vote "on -line" as it relates to redistricting map preferences.
Option H places Tukwila in two legislative districts. Council concurred Ms. Lauterbach should write a letter (from the
Council and City) indicating preference of Option H.
MISCELLANEOUS: None.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: None.
8:56 p.m. Fenton moved; Duffie seconded; to adjourn to the meeting into a City Council Special meeting.
The motion carried 7 -0.
I an Hernandez, Council President
Robert H. Baker, CMC
Deputy City Clerk
Date minutes approved: October 29, 2001
Page 3 of 3
October, 2001